Welcome to The Pediatrician Kitchen at Ahimsa

I’m a pediatrician—and a busy mom of three. So I understand the daily tug-of-war between feeding your family fast and feeding them well. But I also know from both science and real life: how we feed our kids can shape their lifelong health. 

 That’s why I created The Pediatrician Kitchen—a place where food is health, and meals are simple, affordable, and evidence-based. Whether you’re stretched on time, budget, or energy, I’m here to help you make small, meaningful changes that can add up to a big difference. 

 Let’s start with this Budget Bite—a one-skillet wonder that delivers on taste, nutrients, and savings. This is also a great meal to serve on Ahimsa’s  stainless steel plates  , which are durable, toxin-free, and perfectly designed for hot meals straight from the skillet. 

Want to know more? Check out our story and our products. 

This Chickpea Masala Skillet is a flavor-packed, Indian-inspired meal that checks every box: 

• Plant-based protein from chickpeas supports muscle development and keeps kids full longer.
  
  
• Spinach offers iron, folate, and fiber—nutrients essential for brain and immune health.
  
  
• Masala spices like turmeric and cumin not only add flavor, but also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
  
  
• Dry chickpeas make this even more affordable if you plan ahead.
  
  
• Everything comes together in just one pan—making clean-up a breeze.

 For families that love batch cooking, this dish pairs perfectly with Ahimsa’s  stainless steel storage containers  . Great for refrigerating leftovers or packing next-day lunches. 

• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (from ½ cup dry, soaked & boiled, or 1 can drained)
  
• 2 cups frozen spinach (or 4 cups fresh spinach)
  
• 1 small onion, diced
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
  
• 1 tsp turmeric
  
• 1 tsp garam masala
  
• ½ tsp paprika or mild chili powder
  
• Salt to taste
  
• Optional: fresh lemon juice, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese or nutritional yeast

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   
2. Add diced onion and sauté until golden, about 3 minutes.
   
3. Stir in garlic, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.
   
4. Add chickpeas and stir to coat with spices.
   
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted (fresh) or warmed through (frozen).
   
6. Season with salt, finish with lemon juice and optional toppings.

Serving tip: Plate this dish on Ahimsa’s  compartment plates  to visually balance chickpeas (protein), spinach (vegetables), and naan or rice (grains), making it easy for kids to see and enjoy well-rounded meals.

A bag of dry chickpeas costs just a couple of dollars and makes several meals’ worth. Soak overnight and simmer until tender—or use a pressure cooker to speed it up. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and boost your fiber intake even more.

• Chickpeas – High in protein and fiber to regulate blood sugar and support fullness
  
• Spinach – Delivers iron, vitamin C, and folate for energy and immunity
  
• Garam masala + turmeric – Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich
  
• Onion + garlic – Prebiotic foods that support healthy gut bacteria

Short on time or spices? Try Brooklyn Delhi’s Coconut Cashew Korma or Golden Coconut Curry sauce. They’re made with real, clean ingredients and add instant flavor depth to this dish. Just add a few spoonfuls after the onion step and let it simmer with your chickpeas.

Parent bonus: No measuring spices or extra dishes—just open, pour, and savor.

This dish is more than dinner—it’s a teachable moment:

• Introduce your child to Indian spices and global flavors.
  
• Talk about how certain spices support health (like turmeric for inflammation).
  

Let older kids stir in the spinach or garnish with cilantro—small kitchen tasks help build confidence and connection.

• 10–15 minutes
  
• One pan = minimal cleanup (Tip: Make the most of quick clean-up by serving this meal on Ahimsa’s dishwasher-safe plates and bowls, reducing both toxins and your to-do list.)

• Less than $2 per serving
  
• Even cheaper with dry chickpeas and bulk spinach

• Beginner-friendly
  
• Great way to practice sautéing and spice layering
  
• Let kids help stir or serve on their own plate

Don’t serve this nutrient-rich dinner on plastic that may leach harmful chemicals. Use Ahimsa’s Purposeful Plate—non-toxic, stainless steel, and designed to guide balanced meals with visual cues for veggies, grains, and protein.

Shop the Purposeful Plate →

This Chickpea Masala Skillet is a meal that brings everything together—budget, culture, health, and family time. Pair this simple meal with sustainable serving tools, and you’re not just feeding your family, you’re modeling mindful habits at every level.

When we choose real food over processed convenience, we nourish more than just our bodies. We teach our kids that eating well doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or boring—it can be powerful, flavorful, and joyful.

Looking for more global flavors made simple?

Follow The Pediatrician Kitchen at Ahimsa for recipes where every bite is made for lifelong health.